Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands consist of three islands in the western Caribbean, with cruising activity focused mainly on Grand Cayman. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman offer a more laid-back and remote experience for visiting sailors.

Stingray City on Grand Cayman is a well-known site where crews can anchor and take their dinghy to the shallow sandbar to see the resident stingrays. George Town, the capital, is another focal point, offering the famous Seven Mile Beach, alongside shopping and dining, and access to fuel, provisioning, and resupply for onward cruising.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Governor's Harbour ★ 4.8 Grand Cayman The anchorage features calm conditions with good holding, making it suitable for long stays. Access to markets and bus stops is convenient, though approach depths can present challenges. Strong wind protection is noted, providing safety from big waves.
	Kaibo ★ 4.8 Grand Cayman The anchorage offers good protection and excellent holding, with depths ranging from 2 to 9 feet. Visitors highlighted favorable conditions even in strong winds, and noted easy access to nearby attractions. Some jet ski activity is present in the afternoons.
	Stingray City ★ 4.3 Grand Cayman Snorkeling in clear waters reveals abundant fish, with some visitors encountering stingrays at the anchorage. Wave conditions can make resting challenging for monohulls. Approach via the main channel is straightforward with depths often exceeding 2.8 meters.

Marinas

Camana Bay Marina ★ 5.0 Grand Cayman Water and electricity are available for free. Contact the Camana Bay Information Center for check-in, noting their office is closed on weekends and public holidays. Public bathrooms are provided, but there are no showers available.

Moorings

	George Town (Free Moorings) ★ 4.0 Grand Cayman The mooring balls provide easy access to customs and immigration, along with nearby amenities. Visitors reported some water traffic and occasional odor issues, but enjoyed activities like snorkeling and walking to local markets. An efficient check-in process with port authorities was noted.
	Scott's Bay ★ 2.3 Cayman Brac Reported experience at Scott's Bay indicates that the mooring area is very exposed, with strong winds and persistent swell. Multiple reviews noted the risk of mooring failures, as well as the necessity for frequent buoy movement to accommodate dive activities. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.

Harbours

Cayman Check-In North Dock ★ 4.3 Grand Cayman Fuel delivery is available at the North Terminal dock. Staff interactions are positive, although some may find the pier conditions challenging due to structural concerns. Visitors should expect jagged rocks nearby when mooring.

Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Cayman Islands:

Clearing in is free of charge during regular hours, and officials are reported to be friendly. A zarpe from the previous port is required.

During the off-season, most cruisers leave the Cayman Islands due to increased hurricane risks.

• Best times of year to sail here: December to April
• Most common type of shore power: 120V 60Hz
• Cost for provisioning: High
• Currency: Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
• Personal security: Considered safe with low crime rates
• Emergency phone numbers:
  • Police: 911
  • Ambulance: 911
  • Fire: 911
• International dialing code: +1-345
• Time zone(s): UTC -5 (no daylight saving time observed)

The maritime history of the Cayman Islands is marked by its initial discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1503 during his fourth voyage to the New World. The islands were named 'Las Tortugas' due to the abundance of sea turtles, a name later changed to reflect the presence of cayman, or alligators. Though initially uninhabited, the islands became frequented by English settlers, pirates, and traders.

By the 18th century, the Caymans were situated at the edge of important trade routes in the Caribbean. They served as a strategic location for pirates and privateers, who used the islands as a hideout and base for their operations. This period saw considerable naval activity, as European powers vied for dominance in the Caribbean, contributing to the islands’ rich maritime folklore and tales of hidden treasures.

In modern times, the Cayman Islands have evolved into a significant international financial hub, but they also maintain a strong connection to the sea. The annual 'Taste of Cayman' and Cayfest celebrate the islands' maritime heritage, often attracting visitors to explore the historical significance of built landmarks and natural maritime features. Diving enthusiasts are particularly drawn to the shipwrecks and coral reefs, which form crucial parts of the islands' diverse marine ecosystem.